Consumer magazine Which? recently released its pick of the top UK Christmas markets to visit this winter. And one of those named among the very best was Chester, especially for those seeking "a peaceful festive day out". Chester was narrowly beaten by Bath to the title of the best in the country but it "scored higher for its ease of getting around, parking and lack of crowds".
So, off to Chester I went with the kids, eager to discover what makes its Christmas market so great. The first thing I noticed was the ample parking options, with two multi-storey car parks within a short stroll to the market itself. I took a wrong turn and missed the entrance to the shiny, clean multi-storey, ending up in a somewhat dingier old car park beneath the Crowne Plaza hotel.
Nevertheless, I managed to snag a parking spot, so no grumbles there. A brief stroll led me to Northgate Street, where the market awaited. The Chester Christmas market is conveniently laid out along a single street, sparing visitors the hassle of navigating through various "zones" as one might in larger city markets.
It's also framed by the majestic gothic architecture of the town hall. The historic essence of Chester is further accentuated by the black and white buildings flanking the market, which faces the magnificent Chester Cathedral. Perfectly situated, the market seamlessly integrates with a day spent exploring the city's ancient rows and cobblestone lanes.
The festive atmosphere was palpable from the get-go, with .
